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Building Inspection

Chicken License

A group of chickens eating feed

You must apply for your chicken license within 30 days of getting chickens. You must renew your license before January 1 of each year. The license year begins January 1 and ends on December 31.

In order to apply for a chicken license, complete these steps:

  1. Complete all required notifications

    Notification requirements are different depending on the type of property:

    • Owner-occupied single-family home: notification not required
    • Single-family home with renters: notify the property owner and all residents of the property
    • Two-, three-, or four-family home: notify the property owner and all residents of the property
    • Museum, school, or day care center: notify the owner or operator of the property

    NOTE: You do not need to notify others for an annual license renewal 

    Print Notification Form

  2. Register with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP)

    Fill out the free Livestock Premises Registration Application with the State of Wisconsin. Once registered, you will receive a registration number. You can fill out the form online or print it and fax it to (608) 224-5034.

    Complete form online

    Print form

  3. Complete the City of Madison Chicken License Application

    Print application

    To apply online:

    Log in to your account on the City of Madison Licenses & Permits portal to fill out this application. If you don’t have an account, you can register for one.

    Once you activate your account via email and log in, go to the "Licenses/Registrations" tab and then click on "Apply for a License/Registration." Choose "Chicken Owner Registration" and continue through the application.

    To apply by mail:

    Mail your completed printed application, a copy of your Livestock Premises Registration, and $10 to the City Treasurer's Office:

    City of Madison Treasury 
    P.O. Box 2999 
    Madison, WI 53701

    To apply in person:

    Submit your completed printed application and registration fee to the City Treasurer's Office at:

    City-County Building
    210 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.,
    Room 101
    Madison, WI 53703

    Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm

Regulations for Keeping Chickens

  • The owner, operator, or tenant must obtain a license.
  • The keeping of roosters is prohibited.
  • The slaughter of chickens on-site is prohibited.
  • If the applicant is not the owner or operator of the property, they must notify the owner or operator as well as all residents of the property of their intent to keep chickens on the property.
  • The keeping of up to eight (8) chickens is allowed as an accessory use on lots with up to four (4) dwelling units.
  • The keeping of up to eight (8) chickens is allowed as an accessory use to a museum or school or day care center.
  • The chickens shall be provided with a covered enclosure and must be kept in the covered enclosure or a fenced enclosure at all times.

  • The enclosure shall be located at least twenty-five (25) feet from any residential structure on an adjacent lot.

    Please note: The Zoning Administrator may revoke a license to keep chickens if the applicant accumulates three or more violations of any ordinance regulating the keeping of chickens in a six-month span.

Questions about the application?

The City of Madison Treasury processes applications and licenses.

Phone: 608-266-4771

Fax: 608-266-4128

Email: treasurer@cityofmadison.com 

 

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